HEART OF SIAM
A special community programme for guests of Chiang Mai International Youth Hostel

Have you ever wished to engage in an interactive experience with local community overseas? One that will bring you close to the hearts of a people who inhabit the sacred grounds of a very ancient civilization. A place where thousand years old rituals and customs still exist. A place where man and nature co-exists peacefully in an environment that is always changing and causing conflict to the modern conservation paradigm. Chiang Mai International Youth Hostel is happy to support a very special group of highland community under the Thai Youth Community Foundation where you will engage in interactive experience.

Locating just less than 2 hours from Chiang Mai in the National Park of Doi Suthep/Doi Pui, you will be hosted by a hill tribe villager and participate in communal as well as conduct community involvement activities in the village including the local school. Help feed the little children, join in the planting or harvesting season, help repair homes, teach at the school or gather forest produce with the villagers, you become ‘one’ with the villagers during your stay. And while there, learn more about the plight and achievement of the community. So why wait, come and enquire more about this special programme. All proceeds from the programme go to the education opportunity fund administered by the Thai Youth Community Foundation.

Sample Itinerary (4 Days/3 Nights)

Day 01 Arrival in Chiang Mai. Transfer to Chiang Mai International Hostel to check in. Presentation and briefing by Thai Youth Community Foundation.

Day 02 Depart by truck for hill tribe village. On arrival, meet authorities and be introduced to your host family. Day programme includes an orientation of the village and exploring the beauty of the place (LD)

Day 03 A full day of interactive programme with some time for your own pondering. This evening, participate in a special ceremony by the village elders to proclaim your ‘oneness’ with the tribe (BLD)

Day 04 Bid farewell after lunch and return to Chiang Mai. At this stage, we would seek your feedback that will be of great benefit to the future of ‘your’ village community (BL)

Price: 4500 baht (USD120pp) Min 2 persons

Price includes stay at Chiang Mai International Hostel (2 nights), stated meals, transfers, hosted accommodation and facilitation services by the Thai Youth Community Foundation.